What is a skin fade?

Types of skin fade

Skin fades are categorised by where the lowest point of the fade sits on the head — the higher the fade, the more dramatic the contrast between the top and sides.

• —Low skin fade — the fade starts just above the ear, keeping length on the sides
• —Mid fade — the blend sits midway between the ear and the temple
• —High skin fade — the fade sits at the temple or above, creating strong contrast with the hair on top
• —Bald fade — another term for skin fade, both referring to hair cut down to bare skin
• —Drop fade — the fade line curves down behind the ear for a curved profile

How a skin fade is cut

A barber creates a skin fade by working with clippers using progressively larger guards (or no guard) from the base upwards. The technique involves blending each guard size into the next using small, flicking motions until no visible lines remain. The work is finished with a zero or open razor to clean the lowest section to bare skin. Achieving a clean skin fade typically takes 15–25 minutes of the total appointment time.

How long does a skin fade last?

A skin fade grows out faster than other cuts because the contrast between bare skin and hair becomes visible quickly. Most clients return every 2–4 weeks to maintain the fade. The higher the fade sits, the sooner the re-growth becomes noticeable — high skin fades typically need freshening every 2–3 weeks.

Skin fade pricing

Skin fades are typically priced at the same rate as a standard cut or with a small uplift depending on the barber's pricing structure. UK pricing as of 2026:

• —Standard cut with skin fade: £15–35 depending on location
• —London prices tend to be higher — £25–50 for a skin fade with styling
• —Add-ons (beard trim, hot towel, colouring) are usually charged separately

Why appointment length accuracy matters for skin fades

A skin fade takes longer than a basic scissor cut. Barbers who offer multiple service types — cuts, fades, beard trims, wash and style — need booking software that lets them set different durations per service. Allowing a client to book a skin fade into a 20-minute slot causes diary overruns. Nextro lets barbers list each service with its own duration, so the right time is always reserved.